Experimental Studies on Carcinogenicity of Radiofrequency Radiation in Animals

Abstract

In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive review of animal studies on carcinogenicity of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. The rapid increase in mobile telephony has resulted in concerns regarding possible heath effects from the low-level but increasingly ubiquitous exposure to RF fields. The possible carcinogenicity of RF fields has been investigated in a number of experimental models including classical rodent bioassays, studies using genetically predisposed animals, cocarcinogenicity studies, and studies evaluating effects on the development of tumors from transplanted tumor cells. Overall, the results of these studies are rather consistent and indicate no carcinogenic effects at exposure levels relevant to human exposure from mobile phones. This finding is consistent with the results of the majority of epidemiological studies on mobile phone users, and suggests that RF field exposure below the present guidelines is not likely to cause cancer.

KEY WORDS:

• mobile phones
• electromagnetic fields
• cancer

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Some of the authors comprise present and former members of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Standing Committee on Biology. This article does not necessarily represent the views of ICNIRP, just that of the authors.

Notes

1. This paper arises out of a report drafted by the authors for ICNIRP's review covering all biological effects and health consequences of exposure to RF radiation (Vecchia et al, 2009).